Céline Gounder discussed concerns about the avian flu virus impacting the supply of eggs used in vaccine production on “CBS Morning News.” Fertilized hen eggs are still the main ingredient in flu vaccines, despite challenges like mutations and virus spread. Scientists are exploring alternatives such as cell-based vaccines, but companies are hesitant to switch from egg-based production. The current stockpiled vaccines may not be effective against the circulating virus strain. Efforts are being made to diversify vaccine production methods, but the reliance on eggs remains due to financial reasons. The potential for a global pandemic highlights the importance of finding more efficient vaccine production methods.
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The Chicken and Egg Problem of Fighting Another Flu Pandemic
